Reverse flow cooling system?

[zephram22]

OK.... Now I'm really confused...and much more concerned. OK, in some places, I've been told that the coolant flows one way around the system.

Radiator --> thermostat --> water pump --> heater core --> ect.

Now I'm being told from the opposite. Now I'm being told that coolant is actually drawn from the upper radiator hose directly into the water crossover and into the heater corse, etc..

OK, which way does the coolant flow in this dang thing? If it flows like the 2nd description, then I am much more worried since the thermostat seems to be pretty stubborn when it comes to opening. I always thought that the thermostat was not opening due to the fact that there was air trapped in the cooling system. But, now i don't think thats the case.

Ugh....can someone just give me an answer as to which direction this thing flows?